There are times when a practical joke goes too far and people get hurt, either physically or emotionally.

When children are involved, there is more potential for a stunt to go wrong.

When a gang decided to cause mischief at Worthing's Rotary Carnival, it was a 12-year-old girl who ended up in tears.

Carnival princess Jessica Hunt's big day was ruined when the procession was bombarded with water bombs and sprayed with water pistols.

Those responsible no doubt thought their prank was harmless fun but it backfired.

Those responsible not only hurt a little girl, they let down the people who had worked hard to make the parade a success.